TOUR OF FLANDERS

Cobbled roads and steep hills of the much-lauded ‘De Ronde’

- 

‘De Ronde’ may have undergone a fairly radical date change, but it remains in a familiar slot a week ahead of Paris-Roubaix, setting up a mouth-watering Classics season finale.

To make sure bike racing fans get their fill, organiser Flanders Classics has even changed the start times of both men’s and women’s races to ensure neither clash with the mountainous finish of stage 15 of the Giro d’Italia, held the same day.

Both men’s and women’s races have been shortened from their usual considerable distances, to 241km and 135km respectively, with the 30km detour that takes in the iconic Muur Van Geraardsbergen having been removed.

However, the decisive Oude Kwaremont / Paterberg one-two, 13km out from thefinish, remains in place for both races. The Oude Kwaremont is more than 2km long and the Paterberg’s 20 per cent slopes are perfect for launching the final attack, setting up a thrilling climax.